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Firefighters were kept busy overnight, responding to nine garage and back lane fires in Winnipeg's West end.

Just after midnight a garage fire in the 700 block of Toronto Street caused $22,000 in damage. Investigators said arson is suspected.

Crews were at another garage fire early Saturday morning near Dominion Street and Sargent Avenue, as well as several garage bin and mattress fires on Downing Street.

Alex Forrest, the president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg union had expressed concern going into the weekend, stating crews have responded to at least six deliberately set fires over the past three weekends.

Last weekend several garage fires on Home Street caused extensive property damage.

The City of Winnipeg says there were 22 fires reported over the Canada Day long weekend.

Forrest said the hot weather and high humidity along with the increase in calls have also been exhausting firefighters.